Santa Claus– the face of Christmas
Santa Claus, Saint Nicholas, Father Christmas, Kris Kringle, whatever the name, Santa has become a Christmas icon. Any man with a white beard, a portly figure or sporting a red suit and fuzzy hat immediately becomes a Santa-ly figure, even if his intentions are festively innocent.
Even the colours red and green are steeped with Christmas cheer. The combination of such contrasting colours immediately conjures thoughts of Christmas.
Santa and Christmas has become a brand. Perhaps the most universally recognisable brand ever to exist. Even Apple would be hard pressed to score the same level of icon-ism as Mr Claus himself.
Santa Claus has evolved over time to his current jovial self. His earliest origin is, unsurprisingly, St Nicholas the Christian priest. He used to deliver gifts to children late at night to preserve his identity and soon developing a reputation of kindliness and wisdom – so much so that the Roman emperor commanded all citizens to worship him as a God.
The first official image of St Nick was produced in 1810 by artist Alexander Anderson, commissioned by The New York Historical Society for the first St. Nicholas anniversary dinner on December 6. The resulting image portrayed St Nicholas as an elf-like character, small and bearded – a slightly grubbier version of the pristine Santa we know today.
His image was further enhanced in 1823, when “A Visit from St Nicholas” (or better known as “The Night Before Christmas) made its debut. Destined for extreme popularity, Washington Irving’s description of a rosy cheeked, white bearded, pipe-bearing, portly laughable fellow, soon stuck, and has hardly altered to this day.
Perhaps this longevity has lead to Santa becoming such a recognisable icon. Any brand with such rich and unchanging history would, undoubtedly, receive the same legendary status.
Santa is perhaps more than a legend, and even exceeds a God–like status. He is a universally recognisable figure of happiness, joy, wisdom, generosity, magic and charming goodness. He encapsulates the spirit of Christmas is one big, red, fuzzy package– really, what is not to love!
He highlights so perfectly the importance of developing a solid, image for your business. To achieve even a fraction of the recognition Santa receives could lead to increased productivity and success. Cadbury have done it with the colour purple and Apple, with their bitten fruit logo. Could you be the next?
Santa is the face of Christmas, and unlike the ever -hanging celebrity campaigns, he is here for good! Get your Christmas stockings ready, prepare the milk and cookies and careful not to forget the carrot! Santa Claus is coming to town in a big way!